July 31, 2006

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram had an article over the weekend about Reverend John Hagee's recent Christians United for Israel conference. They quote his favorite verse on the issue and add an accurate editorial insert to make it clear who Hagee is referring to. Here is the line:

“Among the Bible verses Hagee points to is Genesis 12:3, which states ‘I will bless those who bless you [Israel], and I will curse him who curses you.’”

There is a major problem with Hagee’s comment and it deals with who the “you” is. In the biblical passage God is actually speaking to Abram (later known as Abraham). The nation of Israel did not even exist yet. The man known as Israel (Jacob), for whom the nation was named, had not even been born yet. Thus, Hagee wrongly twists Scripture out of context to support his political position.

Additionally, he is wrong to suggest that Christians should support Israel no matter what it does. If one reads the Old Testament prophets such as Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Amos, Micah, and others, Israel is frequently condemned by God for disobedience. If any of these messengers of God offered similar words today, Hagee and others would likely condemn them as anti-Israel, anti-Semitic, and un-Christian.

This is not to say Israel is completely wrong or that Hezbollah is correct. But it does mean that we must seriously consider the current conflict and be willing to condemn any and all who wrongly take innocent human life. No one—not even Israel—should be given a pass.